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Opening Session

July 19, 2007

Rethinking Transportation

It doesn’t take a highway engineer to discover transportation is one of the greatest challenges Texans, and much of the nation, face in this new century. Just ask the average motorist traveling our state’s highway system. The population continues to grow at a rapid pace. By 2030, it’s estimated that 15% of all growth coming to the nation will come to Texas. This means finding solutions to moving people and goods is very important. Of course, those solutions often come with lots of controversy. But before any transportation planners can determine solutions to these problems, they must first identify the real problem. Alan Pisarski, Author of Commuting in America, series, believes transportation planners and experts may need to reevaluate their goal. In the past, the goal was reducing the distance motorists had to travel. With the growth of the interstate, the transportation system as a whole, and communities growing closer to each other, Pisarski believes that goal, while not completely eliminated, has almost disappeared. Today’s problem is time. And it will continue to be so in the future for at least four reasons:

A high income population
A high value of good society
A multi-tasking society
Pressures on the family

The real goal for transportation, according to Pisarski, is: “…to reduce the effects of distance as an inhibiting force in our society’s ability to realize its economic and social aspirations.” That means more than just laying more concrete and asphalt. It’s developing a mindset geared at making Texas a successful state. It’s changing the way we think about transportation in terms of benefits. According the Pisarski, practically all travel has some sort of benefit whether it is for social or economic reasons. While it may not seem as a necessity, a simple trip to the restaurant has implications on the economy…and on the way transportation experts think when it comes to redesigning our highway system into the next century. As Pisarki puts it, there are no frivolous trips. So what’s a transportation planner to do? According to Pisarski, plenty. Those planning and designing future transportation should consider the following in providing the nation with a system for the 21st century

Meet the safety needs of motorists
Support economic development
Assure security—redundancy
Increase mobility/reliability
Serve an aging population
Serve low income populations
CLRP plus

The good news for Texas is that with the department’s five goals for transportation, TxDOT planners and engineers appear to already be on the right road to success.

Opening Session-eye opener
Posted By: TxDOT_Chris at July 19, 2007 12:57:37 PM

Alan Pisarski's comments defining congestion and traffic reinforced what planners know about traffic, but stated it in plain terms. Pisarski said that commuters are just a small part of the daily transportation patterns. Other parts include:

*Tourism
*Public Government
*Freight & Goods movement
*Thru Travel

As transportation professionals, we know about these, but, based on conversations with the public, most people don't see past their own steering wheels. These are some of the key points we have to keep in mind when dealing with the public. The question is how to get them to believe and understand. Based on his talk, I would be very interested in reading his "Commuting in America" books.

Value of Time & Goods Is Key Measure of Progress/Success
Posted By: TxDOT_Tonia at July 19, 2007 2:05:33 PM

It is important that transportation officials use the concept of the increasing value of time and goods in explaining to the public and elected officials why continued and increased investments in their transportation systems are essential. In American society every day, we are introduced to a new gadget that helps us do more in less time. For example, the iPhone aids Americans in their ability to keep in touch with friends and family, to stay posted on the latest news, and to enjoy entertainment on demand. iPhone buyers could just as well have gotten a basic cell phone or use their home phone. However, they value the enhanced connection and efficiency they experience with the iPhone, so they are willing to pay more than a basic fee for that service and access. They value their time and it shows. Guess what? The Texas transportation system does the same thing. When you choose to pay a toll to get to a social or work function quicker and with less stress, you are showing how you value your time and your ability to stay connected.